Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in De Pere, WI: $36,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the De Pere, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,892 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out De Pere's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,565) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in De Pere, Wisconsin, can expect starting salaries around $36,892, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $48,565 for the city. This gap highlights the financial challenges often faced by entry-level professionals, especially considering the initial pay cut compared to the overall market average. However, as these new veterinary technicians gain experience, they can anticipate gradual salary increases that may reach approximately $39,503 within the first few years. The local market conditions indicate a reasonable environment for recent graduates, with the demand for veterinary services remaining robust and projections indicating a growth rate of 5.50% annually in the field. De Pere can prove to be a promising city for newly minted veterinary technologists and technicians looking to establish their careers.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in De Pere
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in De Pere, WI typically start between $36,892 and $39,503 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,623 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,565 — 2.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 59.63% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($36,892/year) in De Pere. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in De Pere
- 1Research the De Pere market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $36,892 to $39,503, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in De Pere, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in De Pere for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5De Pere's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in De Pere is $23,623 ( 64.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,892, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,515.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,021
2025 BLS Actual
$34,969
2026 Current Est.
$36,892
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,021 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,781 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,554 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,491 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,921 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in De Pere, WI grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,021 in 2019 to $34,969 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,921. New graduates entering the De Pere job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in De Pere
Employers in De Pere are actively seeking to onboard new graduates to expand their teams, with local general practice clinics being the primary source of entry-level opportunities. These practices are often willing to offer internships or mentoring to help new employees develop practical experience. Corporate veterinary chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, frequently hire new grads and can provide structured mentorship programs alongside enticing sign-on bonuses. For those eyeing specialty hospitals, it’s essential to note that they typically require candidates to have 1-2 years of general experience before application. Credentials also play a significant role in enhancing pay; completing an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE, and obtaining appropriate state certification, such as CVT, RVT, or LVT, can significantly boost starting compensation. Furthermore, pursuing advanced specialties, like the VTS credential, positions technicians for salaries in the $30-$45+/hour range, especially given the acute workforce shortage that has prompted pay increases of 25-40% in recent years. Thus, with strategic planning and continued professional development, newly qualified veterinary technicians in De Pere could expect reasonable salary growth and enhanced career prospects within their first few years.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in De Pere. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov